Biotech companies in last 5 years were enjoying easy access to capital. That scenario started to change after stocks started to slide in July 2015 and have not stopped with Nasdaq Biotechnology Index reading 2933 Wednesday which is the lowest level since November 2014. This means biotech startups would be expected to brace for harsher investment climate although experts are assuring that market fundaments are still strong.

The latest food scandal emanating from China revolves on the usage of poppy powder is a banned item by the Food and Drug Administration of China. Five restaurants have been prosecuted and another 30 more are under probe for using ingredients like morphine and heroine in restaurant food. This latest scandal is one in the many high-profile food scandals that has been hitting China in the recent years.

This year's winter in Delhi, India has been particularly cold with temperatures hitting 14 degrees Celcius affecting thousands of homeless who live on pavements under the open skies. NGOs have come to their rescue providing temporary shelters made of materials like bamboo, reinforcing rods, canvas, and net to keep away disease borne mosquitoes. At least 7 bodies have been found in several areas in Delhi of homeless people having died of winter cold. The government has also provided services to rescue homeless in distress.

Sprint - the 4th biggest Telco in US - has been taking steps to cut its costs since it first revealed its costs cutting plan in November 2015 to as much as $2.5bil. The latest move saw Sprint's product head leaving after 25 years of service. The reason for his leaving whether it was related to costs cutting measure or something else is still unclear. Sprint praised Owen for his contribution that helped Sprint succeed and evolve into the wireless company it is today. Sprint extended gratitude for all that he has done and wished him best of luck and continued success in future endeavors. CEO Marcelo Claure has indicated more layoffs are in the offing in the coming months. CFO Tarek Robbiate made statement to effect that no one was safe where costs was concerned.

Two of Fiat 500L used by Pope Francis during his visit in U.S. will be auctioned next week in Philadelphia Auto Show. Pope used the car during his historic visit to U.S. last September.

GM with its main Chinese partner have opened a Cadillac plant in Shanghai on Thursday, 21 Jan 2016 to take advantage of the potential growth in the overcrowded luxury market of China. Cadillac plant has capacity to produce 160,000 vehicles annually. Cadillac believe the luxury car market offer a lot margin opportunity notwithstanding pressure in pricing. Shares of GM have been reported trading on NYSE higher by more than 1 percent on Thursday.

Capital outflows from developing markets were higher than it was anticipated last year, according to a report by Institute of International Finance. The reason behind this oceanic change in emerging markets cash flow is China, which dragged out 676 billion US dollar.

The new regulation is being established initiated by the San Bernardino shooting in California that killed 14 people and left 22 wounded. It has drawn many concern and dismay among European citizens, especially those with the dual nationalities as mentioned. Europe could also reciprocate, restricting American with the same duality to enter Europe.

Vietnam warned China against drilling an oil rig in borderline waters in the South China Sea. Vietnam's anxiety over the rig develops subsequent to a recent flight testing carried out by China on a fake island in Spratly archipelago.

Oracle has been accusing Google for violating copyright law through using Java operating system in Android for long five years. The search engine provider has failed in its earlier bid to derail the case in the US Supreme Court and lawsuit proceeding has resumed in a North Carolina District Court. The database maker’s attorney has placed to Google’s financials to claim a margin from Google’s earnings since its introduction of Androids.